Cotabato placed under state of calamity due to flooding, armed conflict

KIDAPAWAN CITY - The North Cotabato Provincial Board on Tuesday placed the entire province of Cotabato under a state of calamity upon the recommendation of the Cotabato Provincial Risk Reduction and Management Council (CPRRMC).

The CPRRMC urged the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to declare a state of calamity due to the devastation, both man-made and caused by natural calamities, that hit at least 10 towns.

At least 10,000 individuals were displaced and affected by flooding and armed conflict in the towns of Makilala, Pigcawayan, Tulunan, Kabacan, Pikit, Carmen, Alamada, Magpet, Antipas, and Kidapawan City.

Motorcycle riders brave the overflowing water from the Alibayon River in Magpet, Cotabato on Tuesday, August 8, 2017. Several light vehicles were stranded in the flooded area when the river swelled due to heavy rains spawned by thunderstorms over the weekend. Williamor Magbanua

Cotabato Vice Governor Shirlyn Villanueva said the damage from both man-made and natural calamities reached P400 million.

With the declaration of a state of calamity, the local government will be able to utilize the P20-million Quick Response Funds (QRF) for immediate assistance to affected farmers and displaced residents.

Torrential rains that hit Cotabato in the past months resulted in the swelling of tributary rivers, submerging low-lying areas.

Armed men from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, New People's Army, and Moro rebels also led to clashes that led to the displacement of residents particularly in the towns of Magpet, Arakan, Libungan, and Pigcawayan.

Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza said affected residents should coordinate with the respective officials in their areas for assistance. —KG, GMA News